Priming centrifugal pumps.



F. LORENZ.

PRIMING OENTRIFUGAL PUMPS.

APPLICATION FILED 111111114, 1913.

1,1 07,533, Patented Aug. 18, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2,

lwumtoz F. LORENZ.

PRIMING GBNTRIFUGAL PUMPS. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1913.

LlO'ZfiS, Patented Augz18,19M

a SHEETS-$331113.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRIEDRICH LORENZ, OF TELTOW, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR T0 THOMAS P. KING-SFORIl AND VIRGINIA K. HIGGINS, 0F OSWEGO, NEW YORK.

rename CENTRIFUGAL runrs.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 18, 1914.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRIEDRICH LORENZ, a subject of the Emperor of Germany, residing at Wildau Kn, Teltow, Germany,-have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Priming Centrifugal Pumps, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the improvements in the art of priming centrifugal pumps and the like; and the objects and nature of the invention will be readily understoodby those skilled in the art in the light of the following explanation of the accompanying drawings illustrating what I now believe to be the preferred embodiment and mechanical expression of the invention from among other formations, constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope of my invention.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide an improved priming system arranged to automatically set up a priming pump to suction in a centrifugal pump and its suction' line whenever thepump from any cause needs priming, and to automatically cut off said priming suction when the pump has been primed and is in pumping action.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for, automatically starting the'operation of a suitable air exhausting or suction creating device coupled up with the interior of the pump to prime the same, whenever the pump needs priming, and to automatically stop the operation of such device when the pump has-been primed and is in pumping action.

A further object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal amp with a suitable air exhausting device or pri'ming the pump in connection with means for automatically controlling the operation of such device, said means being controlled by the presence or absence of pumping pressure within the cause the operation of said device to prime the pump when the pump needs priming, when pumping pressure is lacking in the pump, and to automatically stop the operation of said device when the pump has 1 started up and pumping pressure ispresent therein.

The invention consists in certain novel features in construction, in combinations, and in arrangements of parts and structures as more fully and particularly set forth hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying draw- 1ngs:- -I1gure 1, 1s a view partially in section, somewhat diagrammatically illustrating a centrifugal pump priming system in.

accordance with my invention, the parts bemg shown 1n position assumed when the pump has been primed and is in pumping o erat'ion. Fig. 2, is a similar view but s owlng the parts in the positions assumed when the pump has lost its water and needs primlng, Fig. 3, is a detail section of the automatic valve showing the same in the position 1t. assumes when the pump is in pumping operation. Figs. 4, and 5, are elevatipns somewhat diagrammatically illustrating other arrangements of my invention. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, of the drawings, I show a centrifugal pump embodying casmg 1, and rotor or impeller 2, carried and driven by shaft 3. The casing is divided by the rotor into the suction chamber a, and the pressure or discharge chamber 1). The shaft 3, is suitably coupled to any suitable source of power 4, such as the armature shaft of an electric motor. The rotor and its shaft are so mounted and arranged with respect to the casing and other parts, asto have a limited axial movement, the extent and direction of which can be predetermined by dlmensioning the rotor balancing rings accordingly.

I provide any suitable air exhausting device, such as a piston, rotary, or other pump or e ector and operatively connect the same with the interior of the pump. For instance, I show rotary air exhausting pu mp 6, having its inlet or suction pipe 7, openin into the top portion of the pressure cham er of the )ump. This air exhausting pump s provided with any suitable o erating means, and is designed to create su cient suction in the centrifugal pump and its water su ply suction line (the water discharge line rom the pump beingthen closed by any suitable is in pumping action or is in condition to start up and perform such action. For in pump. This float carries and controls a valve 11, fixed on the upper end of the float and adapted to the seat 9. The float is vertically movable in the casing to carry said valve to and from said seat. If so desired, the float can be centered and guided in its vertical movement by suitable vertically alined stop and guide pins 12, fixed thereto and sliding in sleeves 13,fixed to the casing. When the centrifugal pump is filled with liquid, said liquid rises in the valve casing 8, and thereby lifts the float 10, until the valve 11, carried thereby closes up against the seat 9, and thereby closes the passage through the casing and prevents the liquid from flowing therethrough to the air pump. When thipump, for any reason, loses its liquid, the float drops with the fallingliquid and thereby moves the valve down from seat 9, and to open position so that the siction passage from the air pump to the centrifugal pump is thereby automatically opened. I provide means whereby the air exhausting or suction priming device is automatically started when the centrifugal pump needs priming and is automatically stopped when the pump has been primed. For instance, I show the air pump shaft 14, alined with the rotor shaft 3, and adapted to be coupled thereto and driven thereby through the 'medium of any suitable detachable or separate clutch, coupling, or other means. In this instance, I show a friction clutch consisting of a member 15, fixed on the end of shaft 14, and a corresponding cooperating member 16, fixed'on the end of shaft 3. This clutch is ontrolled by the axial movement of the rotor shaft 3. The rotor shaft is normally yieldingly held toward the shaft 14, with the clutch member 16, in 0perative driving engagement. with the clutch member 15, by a suitable constantly-acting spring device consisting of coiled spring 17, applied to upright vertically-swingable lever 18, having operative connection with a grooved sleeve 19, fixed on the rotor shaft 3. The lever is shown fulcrumed intermediate its length to an arm 20, rigid with the pump casing, with the constantly-acting retractive spring 17, .applied to the upper end of the lever to swing the lower end of the lever (confined to sleeve'19, on the shaft 3) toward the air pump. When the centrifugal pump is at rest, or when empty, the spring 17, holds the clutch establishing operative drivingeonnection between shafts 3 and 14, but when the shaft 3, is in this position, the rotor 2, is thereby held toward the suction side of the pump and out of normal balanced pumping position. When the pump is started up, the valve 11, is open, and the parts of the clutch are in operative engagement, hence the air pump immediately starts in exhausting air from the centrifugal pump. produced the necessary suction in the centrifugal pump, to cause the same to fill with water, the valve 11, will be automatically closed, and the pump rotor 2, as it rotates in the water, will create discharge pressure in chamber 6, and will move toward the pressure side of the pump to normal balanccd position, and will thereby separate the clutch members from operative driving engagement and hence automatically throw the air pump out of action. Whenever the centrifugal pump loses its water (even while the pump is being driven) the spring 17, will move the rotor and its shaft from normal pumping position to operatively engage the clutch members and start the air pump The air pump will then again prime the centrifugal pump, whereupon the rotor will return to normal balanced position and disconnect the air pump from its driving means. Vhcnever a pump equipped in accordance with my invention is stopped. the spring device will throw the rotor shaft into operative .driving connection with the air pump, hence whenever the centrifugal pump is started up, the air pump will be in operative relation to prime the centrifugal pump. Where centrifugal pumps are equipped with my invention they can be operated continuously without requiring constant attention inasmuch as whenever a pump loses its Water through the presence of air or for other reasons, the air pump will be automatically thrown into action to prime the centrifugal pump so that the up its pumping action again and throw the centrifugal pump willautomatically pick a motor a, and a separate or independent motor (Z, 1s provided for driving the con: trifugal-pump-priming air pump 6. In this arrangement, the air pump 6, is connected to the pressure chamber of the centrifugal pump by air suction pipe 7, and automatic valve 8, as hereinbefore descriliaid. The air pump driving motor (1, is an electric motor,

having the electrical connections e, from the Source of electric current. These connections extend to the motor from the electric switch or controller f, embodying a vertically movable switch handle or lever 21, whereby the motor at, is thrown into and from action. This lever 21, is .yieldingly and normally held in operative closed position with the motor at, in action by a suitable spring 22. Means are provided whereby the pressure within the centrifugal pum when in action, is utilized to throw the switch lever 21, to inoperative open position against the tension of its spring 22, and to thereby stop the motor (1, and so that when the pressure within the pump drops, as it does when the pumploses its water or ceases to rotate, the sprlng 22, will return the switch lever to closed position and thereby throw the motor (1, into the circuit and automatically start the centrifugal-pump-priming action of the air pump. In the particular example illustrated, I show a vertical cylinder 23, containing vertically movable piston 24, having operative lifting connection 25, with the switch lever 21. This cylinder is connected with the interior of the centrifugal pump through the medium of water pipe 26, at one end openin into the cylinderbelow the piston and at the other end opening into the upper part of the discharge pressure chamber of the centrifugal pump. When the centrifugal pump is filled with water and in pumping action, the pressure in the pump discharge chamber is sufficient to lift the piston 24, and (through the medium of lifting link 25) swing the switch lever 21 (against the tension of spring 22) to open position and thereby cut out the motor at, and stop the operation of the air pump, as shown in Fig. 4. If the centrifugal pump stops, or loses its water, the pressure in the cylinder 23, will drop and spring 22, will.

throw the switch lever to closed position and thereby automatically start the operation of the air pump to prime the centrifugal pump.

tively engages As soon as said pump is filled with water it will begin pumping and the pressure thereby produced w1ll swing the switch and sto the operation of the air pump.

ther arrangements might be provided fOr controlling the action of the independent electric motor 01, for driving the air pump. For instance, in Fig. 5, I show an arrangement wherein the motor controller or switch f, has an upright vertically swingable switch lever 21*, yieldingly and normally held in circuit closing operative position by retractive spring 22*. This lever is 'fulcrumed between its ends'to a fixed bracket 27, from the centrifugal pump casing or frame, and at its lower end operaa grooved sleeve or hub 19, fixed On the projecting end of therotor shaft The centrlfugal pump rotor and its shaft 3 in this example, are axially movable as described in connection with the structure of Fig. 1. When the centrifugal pump is inactive or empty, the rotor is yieldingly held toward the suction side of the pump and beyond normal balanced pumping position by the spring 22 the lever 21, and the hub 19 and said lever is in operative position closing the circuit through the motor d, so that the air pump is in action priming the centrifugal pump. 'When the centrifugal pump is filled with water and in pumping action, the pressure therein will throw the rotor toward the pressure side of the pump and to normal pumping position, and the lever 21 will be thereby swung against the tension of its spring to inoperative position, throwing the air pump motor (Z, out of action, as shown in Fig. 5.

Under certain conditions it might be desirable to connect the priming pump with the suction chamber a of the centrifugal pump, possibly instead of'with the pressure chamber 6, or to connect said air pump with both the suction and pressure chambers of the centrifugal pump. I have by dotted lines in Fig. 1, suggested such added connection 7 and its automatic valve 8*.

In defining my invention, I employ the term centrifugal in a generic sense to include all pumps to which my invention is applicable.

A centrifugal pump equipped in accordance with my invention can be employed for purposes -and in connections where heretofore it has been believed to be impossible to employ centrifugal pumps. In fact, centrifugal pumps equipped in accordance with my invention will do the work of piston pumps, but it is needless to herein recite the many advantages attained by and the utility of my invention as such will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is evident that various changes, modifications and variations might be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention and hence I do not .wish to limit myself to the exact disclosures hereof.

Desiring to protect my invention in the broadest manner legally possible, what I claim is 1. A priming system for centrifugal pumps and the like, comprising a normallyinactive suction device, means for automatially establishing suction connection between said device and the interior of the pump when the pump has lost its water and for automatically cutting off said suction connection when the pump is in pumping action, and mechanism for automatically starting the suction operation of said device when the pump loses its water and for permitting said device to become inactive when the pump is in pumping operation. 1

2. A. cent 'fugal pump provided I with mechanism for automatically establishing priming suction within the pump when the pressure within the pump drops below that required for pumping action, and for discontinuing said suction within the pump when pumping pressure is established within the pump.

3. A centrifugal pump provided with means for establishing priming suction Within the pump, said means being automatically controlled by the pump pressure.

4. A centrifugal pump provided with a pump-priming suction device in suction communication with the interior of the pump controlled by a lloat-valve, and means independent of said float valve for automatically controlling the operation of said device to start the operation thereof when the pump loses its Water and to stop the operation thereof when the pump is primed.

5. A centrifugal pump provided with means for maintaining priming suction within the pump, said means provided with driving mechanism controlled by the presi; ence and absence of pumping pressure within the pump.

6. A centrifugal pump provided with a normally inactive air exhausting device for priming the pump, said device provided a with power driven operating means having controlling mechanism to automatically start the operation of said device when the pump needs priming and to automatically stop the operation of said device when the pump is in pumping action.

7. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device in priming-suction. communication with the pump, avalve to prevent fiow of liquid from the pump to said device, and means for automatically starting and stopping the operation of said device; sald means being controlled by the absence of pumping pressure inthe pump to automatically start priming action of said device on the interior of the pump, and to automatically stop the operation of said device when the pump is primed and full of liquid.

8. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device for priming the pump, and means for automatically starting and stopping uhe operation of said device comprising a clutch for making and breaking driving connection from the centrifugal pump shaft to said device.

9. A centrifugal pump provided with a rotary air pump in suction communication with the interior of the centrifugal ump to prime the same, driving means or said air pump, mechanism for establishing driving connection between said means and the air pump, and controlling devices for said mechanism constantly tending to normally establish said driving connection, said devices being actuated by pumping pressure in the centrifugal pump to break driving connection between said means and the air pump.

10. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device for priming the pump, the operation of said device being automatically controlled by the axial movement of the pump rotor.

11. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device for priming the pump, the operation of said device being controlled by the axialmovement of the pump rotor, and a spring device yieldingly acting on the pump rotor to axially move the same to an abnormal position to start the operation of said air exhausting device, said rotor under pumping pressure axially -moving to normal position to stop the operation of said air exhausting device.

12. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device for priming the pump, and mechanism comprising a spring for automatically starting the priming action of the air exhausting device when the pump rotor under the action of said spring has moved axially to abnormal posit-ion toward the suction side of the pump, and for automatically stopping the priming action of the air exhausting device when the pump rotor under the action of the pumping pressure has moved toward the pressure side of the pump and against the tension of said spring.

13. A centrifugal pump provided with an air exhausting device for creating priming suction within the pump, a valve controlled by a float for closing suction communication between said device and the pump when the pump is filled with liquid and for opening said communication when the pump is empty, and mechanism for automatically starting the operation of said device when the pump is empty and for automatically stopping the operation of said device when the pump is full and in pumping action.

14. A centrifugal pump provided with a priming air-exhausting pump having its suction connection opening into the pump and provided with an automatic valve to prevent flow of liquid from saidchamber to the air pump, and means controlled by the pressure within the centrifugal pump for automatically starting and stopping the air pump.

15. A centrifugal pump provided with means for creating pump priming suction within the pump, and a controlling device for said means constantly acting thereon to throw the same into pump priming action and comprising mechanism controlled by pumping pressure within the pump to maintain said means normally inactive with respect' to the interior of the pump, said means being in suction communication with the interior of the pump and provided with a de-, vice to break said communication when the pump is primed.

- 16. A centrifugal pump having a driven axially movable rotor shaft provided with the pump rotor, an air pump operatively connected with the interior of said pump to create pum primin suction therein, means for establis 'ng and reakingo erative driving connection between said 5 'aft and the air pump, and a spring device constantly acting on said shaft to move the same axially to an abnormal position to establish driving connection" with the air pump, said rotor being, so arranged that pumping pressure within the pump will move the rotor axially to normal position and break driving connection between said shaft and the air pump.

17. A centrifugal pump having an air pump operatively connected with the interior thereof to set up pump priming suction in the centrifugal pump, means for driving the air pump from the centrifugal pump and automatic means for making and breaking the driving connection between saidpumps.

18. A centrifugal pump having an, air pump operatively connected with the interior thereof to set up pump priming suction therein, an independent motor for driving said air pump, and means controlled by the axial movement of the centrifugal pump rotor to throw said motor into and out of action.

19. A centrifugal pump having an air pump operat-ively connected with the interior thereof to set up pump priming suction therein, an electric motor for driving said air pump, a controller for throwing said motor into and out of action provided with a spring device constantly tending to move the same to throw said motor into action, and means controlled by pumping pressure within the centrifugal pump to move said controller against the tension of said spring device to throw the motor out of action.

20. A centrifugal pump having an air pump operatively connected with the interior thereof to set up pump priming suction therein, means for o crating said air pump, and mechanism for automatically throwing said means into and from operation, said mechanism comprising a piston constantly spring pressed in one direction and subjected to the pumping pressure of the centrifugal'pump to move t e same in the opposite direction.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRIEDRICH LORENZ.

HENRY HAsrEB. 

